The Clear Lake girls basketball team made a run to close a 16-point gap to just four, but the Lions could not get over the hump in their final game before the holiday break. They dropped a 70-60 decision to Iowa Falls-Alden Dec. 21.
“We have a great group of players who never give up, as was demonstrated during the fourth quarter,” said Coach Kay Bacon.
She saw her team claw its way back from a 62-46 deficit at the six minute mark in the final period to pull within four, 62-58 with two minutes to play. The Lions were poised to take the lead, but the Cadets connected on a three point shot to widen the margin to seven and hold off the Lions for the win.
Coach Bacon listed several positives she and her players could build upon during the holiday break.
“Our rebounding continues to improve and tonight we managed one more rebound than the Cadets (30-29). The girls have worked hard on rebounding and their efforts are showing,” she said.
Senior leadership as also evident in the game.
“Breanne Mumm played well on defense and added six assists for the evening,” said the coach. “Torrie Hansen and Allison Schaefer scored well for the Lions. Torrie did a nice job in the post position and Allison earned her points on both the inside and outside by adding a three-pointer to her total.”
Hansen and Schaefer finished with 21 and 20 points respectively. Hansen led the team in rebounds with six. She also had two steals in the game. Schaefer had three rebounds and a steal.
Macey Hansen finished with eight points, four rebounds ad a steal, and Victoria Nicholas had a balanced game, scoring six points, grabbing five rebounds and making two assists.

Katie Barkley and Kara Mathis each had two points, two rebounds and two assists. Kristin Weigel got into the scorebook with a free throw, rebound, two assists and three steals. Jeslynne McGrath pulled down four rebounds, had two assists and two steals.
“Our turnovers continue to make the difference in the game,” said Coach Bacon. “We work on ball handling under pressure every day in practice and still need to step it up to the next level. In the games we have lost, turnovers have been the main reason for the loss.”
Coach Bacon also expressed her thanks for the home crowd support her team has received this season.
“Our home crowd support is appreciated by all of us. This is one of the best student sections we have ever had. It’s great to look across the gym to see crazy outfits and cheering students. We’ll enjoy the holiday break, get back to practice in the new year and give the fans something to cheer about.”
The girls will be back in action Friday, Jan. 4, at Humboldt. The junior varsity and varsity girls teams will play a doubleheader. Saturday, the girls join the boys team and travel to Forest City for a non-conference game. The girls, 2-6 overall, will tip off at 1 p.m.